It seemed that with an almost superhuman effort Gordon gripped himself.

But he did not go.
Constance was distracted, what if Santos with his fiery nature should find Gordon talking to her alone?
She must temporize.
"One week," she murmured.

"When the _Arroyo_ sails--that night--I shall give you my answer." Gordon shot a peculiar glance at her--half doubt, half surprise.

But she was gone.

As she hurried unexpectedly out of the Junta she fancied she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure.